The summer months bring sunshine, and with that, unwelcome guests: bees! From picnics to barbecues, we can do without their arrival. But did you know that certain scents can drive away bees? Let’s explore what scents are more likely to send them on their way, so you can go about your day without a buzzing intrusion.
1. Bee-Zapping Scents – What Works and What Doesn’t
Everyone is familiar with the buzzing presence of bees in our environment. Whether we are simply admiring them from a distance or seeking to repel them for our own safety, it’s important to understand which scents work best for bee-zapping. Here is a breakdown of some known bee-zapping scents:
- Citrus – Citrus scents are widely known to be effective at keeping bees at bay. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits contain a small amount of an essential oil called limonene that helps repel bees and other pests.
- Herbs – Herbs like lavender, mint, basil, and catnip can be a helpful tool in keeping bees away. While the smell of these herbs alone may be enough to deter them, it’s also possible to use essential oils from some of these herbs.
- Vinegar – Vinegar is one of the most effective natural ingredients for repelling bees. A mix of vinegar and water sprayed in the vicinity of bees can help keep them away.
However, some scents can actually attract bees, so caution should be taken when using them to keep bees away. Floral scents like jasmine, rose, and lily are known to be attractive to bees and could attract them in greater numbers. Additionally, pheromones produced by some plants can be confused by bees as a sign of food and they may flock to these areas.
When it comes to keeping bees away, understanding which scents work and which can attract them is essential. Knowing the difference between repel and attract scents can help protect humans, as well as the bees, from negative or uncomfortable encounters.
2. Get to Know Your Foes: A Quick Overview of Bees
Location: Bees are widespread, with over 20,000 known species found across the world, the majority of which live in tropical and subtropical climates.
Behavior: Bees are typically social insects living in colonies of hundreds or thousands of individuals. Their activities are largely concentrated upon visiting flowers to collect nectar and pollen, which they can then use for food or for creating wax and honey.
Communication: Bees have many ways of communicating with one-another and with other species. Through vibrations and a unique form of “dance”, they communicate the location of food sources and share news of the colony’s activities. In addition, they use pheromones and visual signals to express themselves.
Pollination and Plant Life: Bees play a vital role in many ecosystems as pollinators of plants. By feeding on nectar and pollen from flowers, bees allow plants to produce fruit and vegetables, which are then consumed by us. Additionally, they help to maintain the health of much of the planet’s vegetation.
- Bees play an integral role in many ecosystems
- Bees communicate and share information through various methods
- Their pollinating activities help to maintain the planet’s vegetation
3. What You Should NEVER Use to Keep Bees Away
Sometimes, bees can become a nuisance. If a bee hive is near your property, you may want to take steps to keep them away. Unfortunately, many popular methods for getting rid of bees aren’t particularly effective, or worse, can be dangerous. To help avoid problems, here are 3 things you should never use to keep bees away:
- Bug Sprays – Though spraying an insecticide can temporarily discourage bees from entering your yard, they will often quickly return after it wears off. Additionally, this is a bad choice because it can be harmful to other animals and plants in your area.
- Tarps – Placing a large tarp over the opening to a bee hive seems like it might work, but in most cases, it won’t. Though it reduces airflow and may disrupt the bees, it won’t keep them from returning. Therefore, it’s best to avoid this option.
- Smoke – While smoke can initially drive the bees away, they will soon come back. Additionally, smoke can be dangerous. If the bees become disturbed, they may sting. For this reason, it’s best to avoid this method of bee removal.
If you’re trying to deal with a bee infestation, remember these 3 things you should never use to keep bees away. Relying on ineffective or dangerous bee removal methods can put you and your family at risk. In most cases, it’s best to contact a beekeeper or exterminator to safely handle the problem.
4. Aromatic Solutions: Scents That Drive Bees Away
When it comes to ridding your garden of bees, the key is to turn away from toxic chemicals and traps, and instead turn towards natural alternatives. Aromatic solutions are becoming increasingly popular as a way of gently moving bee problems away from home, as they don’t pose a risk to other animals or children.
The oils most commonly chosen as a home remedy to repel bees are eucalyptus, mint, lemongrass, lavender and cinnamon. However, any strong smelling aroma may be effective, so don’t be afraid to experiment. You may find that just the smell of your favourite scent works just as well!
Here are 4 ways to employ essential aromas to deter bustling bees from your space:
- Saturate cotton pads in essential oils and place strategically around the working area.
- Mix essential oils with water and spray lightly around your outdoor space.
- Try diffusing essential oils from an electronic diffuser (this is especially pleasant during warm days outdoors!).
- Put some dry spices, such as cloves, around areas where bees are most often observed.
Essential aromas can have a powerful effect on the way bees behave and interact with their surroundings. If used cautiously and correctly, they can be a potent tool in the arsenal of natural bee repellent solutions.
5. Crafting Your Own Bee-Chasing Scent Mixture
Do you want to keep bees away from your greenery? If so, why not craft your own all-natural bee-chasing scent mixture out of common ingredients? Here are a few recipes for you to try:
- Lemon and Lavender Mix: Fill a spray bottle with one cup of warm water and mix in a quarter cup of lemon juice and a quarter cup of lavender oil. Shake it all together and spray it near your plants, branches, or other greenery.
- Cinnamon and Clove Mix: To a spray bottle of one cup of warm water, add two tablespoons of ground cinnamon and two tablespoons of ground cloves. Give it a shake and spray your mixture around plants and other greenery.
- Mint and Eucalyptus Mix: Pour one cup of warm water into a spray bottle and mix in two tablespoons of eucalyptus oil and one tablespoon of peppermint oil. Shake up your mixture and spray around trees, flowerbeds, and other greenery.
Remember, essential oils are potent, so use caution and avoid spraying your mixture around bees that may have already collected in a hive. Spray the mixture around your bee-attracting spots and keep an eye on them to make sure the mixture effectively repels the unwanted visitors. Some of these mixtures may leave a scent that lingers even after the bees have gone, so use sparingly!
Remember, homemade bee-chasing spray is one of the best ways to keep pesky bees away from your garden. Craft your own recipe, experiment, and take note of your results!
6. Looking Beyond Aromatherapy: Other Non-Toxic Methods
Aromatherapy is an effective way to reduce stress, clear the mind and promote healing and wellbeing, but it is not the only non-toxic method of achieving these goals. Whether you’re looking for a different approach to wellness or if you’re new to the idea of non-toxic therapies, here are a few ideas to explore.
- Meditation is a powerful tool for relaxation, healing and personal growth. It can be done anywhere, anytime, with little or no special equipment, and has a range of proven benefits.
- Yoga is another great form of non-toxic therapy. It combines physical activity with mental, emotional and spiritual aspects to promote overall health and wellbeing. It is also a great way to reduce stress levels.
- Acupuncture, a centuries-old practice, is based on the idea that our bodies contain vital energy which can be accessed and altered with very thin needles inserted into the skin at certain points. This can help to restore balance in the body and promote healing.
- Reiki is an ancient form of healing from Japan that uses a combination of touch and energy to restore harmony, balance and wellbeing. Reiki practitioners are able to channel energy to promote mental, emotional and spiritual healing.
No matter which therapy you choose to explore first, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and benefits. Talk to a qualified professional before starting any new therapy regimen.
7. Tips for Safe Bee Protection that Won’t Harm You or the Environment
When it comes to protecting yourself from bees, one must always be careful to use methods that are both gentle on the environment and won’t get you hurt. Here are some common yet effective tips that everyone should take into consideration when seeking safe protection from bees.
1. Stay Calm
Bees respond to vibration and movement, so the best thing to do is to stay calm and still, as to not draw their attention.
2. Wearing the Right Clothes
Wearing lighter colors or prints, such as white and yellow can help you cool down in the heat and make you less attractive to the bees.
3. Keeping your Distance
If you are within a certain radius of a hive or swarm of bees, it’s always better to keep your distance to a safe point.
4. Using Natural Repellents
If you want to avoid products laden with chemicals, there are several natural oils and scents such as peppermint and eucalyptus that can be used as insect repellents.
5. Rolling up your Windows
When driving, or if you happen to be around a hive, you should consider keeping the windows of your car rolled up as much as possible.
6. Keeping It Clean
Bees are attracted to sweet and sticky substances, so cleaning up the area around you, such as the kitchen counter or dining area will help to keep them away.
7. Covering Your Skin
Always cover your skin and face with protective clothing like a hat or veil. This will also prevent them from entering your eyes or hair.
8. Making Peace with the Bees in Your Neighborhood
The buzzing of bees has become too familiar for many of us: buzzing around our gardens, hovering near picnic baskets, or worse yet, flying too close for comfort. But making peace with these wild creatures is easier than you think. Here are 8 tips to living harmoniously with the bees in your neighborhood:
- Plant bee-friendly flowers. Choose flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen and offer them an inviting home. Try planting lupines, lavender, or cosmos and watch the bee population in your garden expand.
- Limit your use of insecticides and other chemicals. Pesticides can kill beneficial insects and pollinators, so avoid them if possible.
- Find bee-friendly solutions to pest control. Pour soapy water over the surface of your plants where the pests hang out and the bees will stay away from those areas.
- Offer a water source. Bees will flock to a shallow dish of water and it’ll help draw them away from your outdoor parties.
- Provide nesting opportunities. You can help create a bee sanctuary by providing a bee hotel, allowing the bees to make their home in a safe environment.
- Honor their natural habits. When you come across a bee hive, for instance, respect their home. While some bee problems can be solved with a call to a beekeeper, most times it’s best just to leave them alone.
- Be patient. While it may take some time, eventually you’ll be able to appreciate their hard work and admire their quirks.
- Educate others. Bees may not be our favorite backyard visitors, but they are incredibly important pollinators. Let others know the importance of bees and why it’s important to protect them.
In short, it’s possible to coexist with our buzzing companions. Don’t rush to eradicate them or any other pests, but take the time to discover the wonders of nature and learn to live peacefully with our foreign friends. We hope this article has helped you better understand what scents you should avoid to keep bees away. Now thanks to this knowledge, you’re ready to go out and enjoy your day without worrying about that one pesky bee buzzing around you. So go ahead, kick back and relax, bees can’t bother you now.